Veteran Benefits & Resources in California

California is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, supported by a wide network of state programs, county offices, veteran homes, and nonprofit organizations. The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) helps connect veterans and their families with education benefits, property tax relief, employment resources, housing support, and more.

Whether you're looking for state benefits, health care resources, housing assistance, or veteran-owned business support, this page provides a practical overview of key programs and organizations available across California.

Key Veteran Benefits in California

California offers several important state-level benefits for eligible veterans and their families.

Property Tax Relief

California provides two separate property tax exemptions: one for veterans and one for disabled veterans. The general veterans’ exemption is limited, while the disabled veterans’ exemption is more substantial for eligible veterans or their surviving spouses.

Learn more:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx

College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents

The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges and can also apply to CSU and UC in certain dependent situations under CalVet’s program rules. This is one of the most valuable state benefits California offers.

Details:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/College-Fee-Waiver.aspx

Non-Resident College Fee Waiver

California also offers a Non-Resident College Fee Waiver for eligible veterans and dependents at California public colleges and universities.

Learn more:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Non-Resident-College-Fee-Waiver.aspx

Business License, Tax, and Fee Waiver

Eligible veterans may qualify for a Business License, Tax, and Fee Waiver that applies to certain municipal, county, and state business license fees, taxes, and fees.

Learn more:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Business-License-Tax-and-Fee-Waiver.aspx

VA & Healthcare Resources

Veterans in California have access to an extensive mix of VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers throughout the state.

VA Medical Centers and Clinics

California veterans can use the VA facility locator to find nearby hospitals, clinics, and benefit offices.
https://www.va.gov/find-locations

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide counseling and readjustment services for veterans and their families, including support for PTSD, transition issues, and military sexual trauma.
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov

CalVet Service Provider Search

CalVet also offers a service provider search by location, which can help veterans identify nearby county veteran service offices and other support resources.

Learn more:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/find-a-service-provider

County Veterans Service Offices

One of California’s most important veteran support systems is its network of County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs). These offices help veterans and families understand, apply for, and access federal and state benefits. CalVet maintains statewide CVSO location directories and encourages veterans to work directly with their local office.

Find your local office:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

CalVet Veterans Homes

California operates a network of Veterans Homes that provide long-term care for eligible veterans in multiple locations throughout the state. These homes are a major part of California’s veteran support system.

Learn more:
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetHomes

Housing and Support Services

California veterans can also access housing-related help through county offices, nonprofit organizations, and the broader CalVet benefits system. Many veterans begin by contacting their local CVSO for help navigating options.

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

California is home to many respected veteran-focused nonprofits.

Swords to Plowshares

Based in San Francisco, Swords to Plowshares supports veterans through housing, employment, legal services, and mental health support.

https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org

U.S.VETS

U.S.VETS serves veterans in multiple California communities with housing, employment, and transition support.

https://usvets.org

Veterans Legal Institute

Serving Southern California, Veterans Legal Institute provides pro bono legal services to veterans, especially those facing housing, disability, or benefits challenges.

https://www.vetslegal.com

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

California has a strong ecosystem for veteran entrepreneurs and disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program

California’s DVBE Program helps eligible disabled veteran-owned businesses compete for state contracting opportunities. This is one of the most important business programs for veteran entrepreneurs in the state.

Learn more:
https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx

California Veterans Chamber of Commerce

The California Veterans Chamber of Commerce supports veteran-owned businesses through advocacy, networking, and education.

https://cvcc.biz

Veteran Business Outreach Center

California veterans can also use Veteran Business Outreach Center resources for training, counseling, and small business support.

https://www.vbocix.org

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

California regularly hosts events that help veterans connect with benefits, jobs, and one another, including:

• Veterans job fairs

• Benefits workshops

• Stand Down events

• Veteran networking events

• Entrepreneurship and procurement training

Veterans can often find local support through CalVet, county offices, veteran chambers, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

How to Get Help

If you are a veteran living in California and need assistance:

1. Contact your local County Veterans Service Office

2. Visit CalVet to review state benefits and service options

3. Use the CalVet service provider search to locate help near you

4. Reach out to nonprofits like Swords to Plowshares, U.S.VETS, or Veterans Legal Institute if you need housing, legal, or transition support

California has one of the deepest veteran support systems in the country, and local guidance can make a big difference in getting connected to the right benefits.

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a California veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.